Male student using a saw in the woodshed to cut a piece of wood.

This summer, the halls of Clyde A. Erwin High School (CAEHS) transformed from a quiet, empty space into a bustling hive of activity as Buncombe County Schools (BCS) middle and high school students put hammer to nail at one of the many Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps offered this year. The woodworking camp showed a spotlight on the craft, artistry with the practicality of engineering. 

Campers were introduced to a variety of tools as they crafted bird houses, bat houses, wooden tool boxes, and a mix of other unique projects. The camp showed students a glimpse of what they could see in high school as well as possible job opportunities. 

“Students learned how to work with their hands all week long,” said Project Lead the Way teacher Randal Hylemon. “This camp gives students the chance to get dirty.” 

Eleventh grader Lucas came to camp this summer with a mission to make something special for his four legged friend. 

“I wanted to make dog steps for my dog,” he said. “My dog is older and she has a hard time getting on my bed.”

By the end of camp students walked away with new skills and confidence mixed with excitement for the future - a future they could now shape with their own hands.

Student hammering a nail into the top of a wooden birdhouse.